78 new students are starting their dual study programme for secondary school teaching in 2026

“The fact that all places on the dual study programme have been filled sends a strong signal,” says Education Minister Christian Tischner. After all, this is by no means a foregone conclusion: Personal aptitude, the right combination of subjects and reliable subject-specific support at the training schools must all come together. “The fact that we have succeeded in doing this for the third year running demonstrates the great interest in this innovative route into the teaching profession. In doing so, we are specifically strengthening Thuringia’s mainstream and community schools and investing in the next generation of educators in our state.”

On 1 September, students begin with a four-week onboarding internship at their respective training school. Regular teaching placements, taking place two days a week, then commence in the third semester. The practical components build systematically on one another: following initial classroom observations and supervised teaching practice sessions, students gradually take on more responsibility in the classroom. Throughout their studies, they are closely supported by experienced teachers and the university.

In total, once all contracts have been finalised in the third year, 190 dual-track students will be working at more than 170 mainstream and comprehensive schools in Thuringia.

The Ministry and the University of Erfurt will provide information on the application deadline for the next intake in good time.